Today, Stirling Properties and CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. (NYSE: CBL) celebrated the Grand Opening of Phase I of Fremaux Town Center in Slidell, Louisiana. The 352,342 square-foot shopping center, with anchors including Kohl’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy and, T.J.Maxx, is over 95% leased. Phase II, anchored by Dillard’s, will commence construction later this year.

Fremaux Town Center is located on more than 80 acres at the southwest corner of Interstate 10 and Fremaux Avenue in Slidell, LA. Slidell is the largest municipality in St. Tammany Parish on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain near the city of New Orleans. The area has experienced significant growth following Hurricane Katrina. With its interstate location and high-visibility, Fremaux Town Center is expected to become a regional destination. “With the opening of Phase I of the Fremaux Town Center here in Slidell, the whole of St. Tammany Parish is the beneficiary,” said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “This economic development endeavor will bring jobs and commerce to Slidell, and provide shopping and dining options for people coming into the Parish from other areas. This development will be another reason for people to Live, Work and Explore St. Tammany.”

“This is a wonderful day for the City of Slidell, one of the most anticipated economic development projects in Eastern St. Tammany Parish for nearly a decade. Stirling Properties is excited to have been able to deliver this center to the City and we look forward to continuing to grow this project with future phases and tenant openings.” said Stirling Properties’ Senior Vice President of Development Townsend Underhill.

Today’s festivities included a ceremonial ribbon cutting, the Slidell High School Band and special guests Mayor Freddy Drennan, St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister, and City of Slidell Council Members. “We are thrilled to have such a beautiful development in our City,” said Slidell Mayor Freddy Drennan. “I know our citizens are excited about the opening of Fremaux Town Center. I would like to thank Stirling Properties and CBL & Associates for all their efforts in bringing this development to Slidell and we look forward to developing the remaining 400 acres.”

Stirling and CBL also announced a contribution of $10,000 to Keep Slidell Beautiful in honor of today’s Grand Opening. This contribution will fund the construction of signage welcoming visitors to the City of Slidell as they head west on Fremaux Avenue from Interstate 12. This signage and accompanying landscaping will set the benchmark for future entrance signage throughout the City of Slidell. “Keep Slidell Beautiful and the City of Slidell very sincerely appreciate the financial support of Stirling Properties and CBL & Associates Properties in purchasing the new city entrance sign on Fremaux Avenue. We are looking forward to a continued partnership with both of these companies. Keep Slidell Beautiful’s current plan is to take this new sign concept through several more of Slidell’s main entrances,” stated Bill Mauser, Executive Director of Keep Slidell Beautiful.

“Fremaux Town Center will not only provide Slidell and the surrounding area with an outstanding retail destination but will make a positive and lasting contribution to the region. We are thrilled to be partners with Stirling and look forward to bringing additional stores and restaurants to the market,” said Michael Lebovitz, Executive Vice President, Development and Administration of CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.